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essays on the casey anthony trial
how might dna help to solve crime
dna helps solve crimes
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INTRODUCTION
The essential component of life can be acknowledged and is made up of a nucleic acid known as DNA. DNA is the abbreviated form for the word deoxyribonucleic acid and it is the “carrier of genetic information” (McMurry, Ballantine, Hoeger, & Peterson, 1992, pg. 775). DNA contains the genetic instructions that are needed for an organism to develop, survive, and replicate, as it plays a crucial role in living systems that makes each species unique and distinctive. The multifaceted material is stored in every cell of every living organisms and it contains information about our nature, appearance, performance, etc. With the instructions that it contains, DNA is passed from the adult organism to their offspring during reproduction. (McMurry, Ballantine, Hoeger, & Peterson, 1992, pg.777).
LOCATION OF DNA
DNA is located inside the cell called the nucleus. Due to the cells being extremely small and each organism having many DNA molecules per cell, each of the DNA molecules must be firmly packaged and this is called chromosome. A chromosome is a lone piece of DNA
DISCOVERY OF DNA
The discovery of DNA is quite mind-blowing. Rumor has it that James Watson and Francis Crick discovered DNA, but they actually did not. It all started in 1869, with a well-known German biochemist named Friedrich Miescher who isolated, analyzed, and recognized a distinctive macromolecule known as DNA. Years later, on the morning of February 28, 1953, Watson and Crick came into the picture, as they announced that they “had discovered the secret of life” (Markel 2013). Their discovery of the double helix made them publish a paper in the 1953 issue of Nature, describing the structure of DNA, which resulted them to receive the Nobel Prize in 1962.
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...her child’s whereabouts. Ironically, the jury undisputedly found her “not guilty of murder, manslaughter, and child abuse” and Casey Anthony was not charged with first-degree murder, as there was no equitable doubt.
These two cases shares many similarities, yet differs in a few ways. Both cases at one point were overturned, but remained slightly unresolved. Between these two cases, the murder of Caylee Anthony had America outrage with anger when Casey Anthony was found “not guilty”.
SUMMARY
DNA is continuously evolving as it has developed various aspects of illicit cases, as well as playing vital roles in all cellular systems. The discovery of DNA has impacted and will trigger the fuel of new findings later in the future. DNA does not only significantly affect a cell’s function, but it aids the species to develop and reproduce, despite the altering conditions.
The smell of death and decay, emanated inside the trunk of a Pontiac Sunfire. A missing child; only to be reported 31 days after she went missing, found dead in a forest close to her home. And a mother who was accused of murder, who got off with no charges, even with evidence stacking against her. This all started with one 9-1-1 phone call from a concerned grandmother who has not seen her grandchild in a month. Casey Anthony was the main headline in all the newspapers, cable television, and social media. Over more than 140 million people sat and watched as the trial played on, and a verdict was reached. This case was the largest and most polarizing case that America has ever seen.
The Casey Anthony trial has been arguably the most controversial case since the trial of O.J. Simpson and has been speculated over ever since the verdict had been given in July of 2011. It was decided by a jury of her peers that Anthony was not guilty of murder, for the death of her daughter Caylee. Many believe that Anthony should have been found guilty however, very little Americans actually comprehend the justice system.
On June 16, 2008 Caylee Anthony was last seen leaving her grandparents house with her mother, Casey. In exactly one month, Cindy Anthony, her grandmother, calls the police to report that Caylee has been missing. Casey did call the police, however, to tell them that the babysitter had kidnapped Caylee. July 16, 2008, Casey was arrested for child neglect and false information. It would be hard to indicate that a person was guilty if there was no body found to prove that. On December 11, 2008 the remains of a little girl were found and sure enough it was the body parts of Caylee Anthony. The evidence and surroundings of her death pointed at her mother, however, at the end of the case she was proved to be not guilty for the murder of her child.
The following is a review of the book, The Double Helix, by James D. Watson that was published in 1968. Here the Norton Critical Edition will be used for page numbering and insights for this review, which was edited by Gunter S. Stent and published in 1980. The Double Helix is a personal recollection of the period of time when the structure of DNA was discovered. James D. Watson (Watson) along with Francis Crick (Crick) were the two scientists who published a paper in 1953 which purposed a structure for DNA. For the most part their structure has stood the test of time, and since that time period many people have wanted to know details of how they discovered DNA’s structure (pp. 3). Therefore Watson’s purpose in writing the book was to describe his personal view of the events that lead to discovery of DNA’s three-dimensional structure, when they happened in 1952-53. He is well qualified to give an account of these things, for he was there in the middle of everything; he was one of the main players. In order to describe the events, apart from his sharp memory, Watson used letters he wrote to his family to help him remember dates and details, as well as suggestions from his associates who reviewed his manuscript. In the following paragraphs I will summarize the text, and follow that with my own review of
How Watson and Crick’s Discovery of the Structure of DNA Influenced American Industries and Scientific Development in the United States
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule found in in the nucleus of all cells in the body which carries our genetic information. DNA is found in the form of chromosomes, with a total of 23 pairs in the human body1. DNA holds the genetic coding for all our characteristics, i.e. our eye colour, body shape, and how we interact with others on a daily basis.
"The discovery of the structure by Crick and Watson, with all its biological implications, has been one of the major scientific events of this century." (Bragg, The Double Helix, p1) In the story of The Double Helix, James Watson tells of the road that led to the discovery of life's basic building block-DNA. This autobiography gives insight into science and the workings within a professional research laboratory that few members of society will ever be able to experience. It also gives the reader an idea of the reality of life for one scientist and how he struggled with the problem of DNA. However, the author's style is marked by his lack of objectivity and inclusion of many biased opinions and personal prejudices.
All living things contain DNA. The molecule deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is what contains an organism’s genetic information. The genetic information contained in DNA is what an organism requires to not only develop and reproduce but also survive. A DNA molecule is built up of nucleotides. Nucleotides are composed of several different things and what the nucleotides are composed of determines the name of it. Another job of DNA is to pass the genetic information through the process of protein synthesis. The DNA can show birth defects in the fetus using different testing. The knowledge of the birth defects of the fetus can be both positive and negative. DNA is a simple yet complex molecule that is used by all living things and makes us the way
All cells contain a complex structure known as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA is a chemical that determines how we are. The multiple combinations of its components are what makes a difference in each person. Long molecules of DNA are organized into chromosomes, which are grouped into 23 pairs. Then the chromosomes are broken down into short segments of DNA known as genes.
DNA testing has been the center of attention in many criminal justice cases. The United States corrections centers have utilized the DNA testing process. Seventeen death row inmates have been exonerated by the use of these tests. Earl Washington was convicted of rape and murder in 1984. Although he confessed to the rape, he was also diagnosed as being mentally retarded. In October of 2000 Mr., Washington was given a DNA test and was excluded as the rapist and murderer. The Virginia Governor pardoned Mr. Washington after he had served 16 years in prison with 14 of them being on death row (ACLU, 2011). DNA testing has become the rule rather than the exception; but what happens with the DNA after a person has been acquitted, dismissed, or exonerated. Where does DNA go to die or does it? Is the DNA destroyed, or is it retained in miscellaneous databanks for further retrieval and use? In 2010, the United States Congress began a campaign designed to encourage the states to require DNA to be taken from suspects whether they had been charged with a crime or not. In the case of S. and Marper v the United Kingdom found that the retention of the applicants' fingerprints, cellular samples and DNA profiles was in violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Is creating a policy in the United States that demand DNA from suspects helps in finding subsequent criminals or is it just leading to a track and trace policy?
Many people may know of the Casey Anthony trials that started in 2008. Casey Anthony was officially convicted guilty under the court of law in 2011 for what exactly? If Casey Anthony would stand right next to someone they would not even know her face but when people say her name they will know that instantly. Casey Anthony was arrested for the murder of her two year old daughter Caylee. She was also alleged to be charged with child abuse and fraud charges filed by Organ County. Years would go by without her even being put on trial for the chargers filed against her. The years she served before her trials will come back and help her in the long run with good time. Many people still think to this day along as with myself still think she is guilty, but there was poor evidence produced by the prosecutors. The vitric would stun everyone in the United States that was following the case in justice for the two year old girl Caylee. There were many noticeable risk factors that were following Casey Anthony while she was in in her late teens. There were many options of treatment programs available for Casey Anthony if her crimes didn’t act consecutively.
DNA – the very molecule that defines who we are. It is still fascinating that a molecule that is so small that is not visible to the naked eye determines not just our physical appearance but also our mental wellbeing. Over 60 years, the discovery of the double helix DNA had impacted various fields relating to Biology and Chemistry, contributing to the advancement of technology and subsequently mankind too.
DNA, it makes everyone special and unique. Throughout time, scientists have discovered many facts about DNA. One such discovery was the pairing of adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine, but what about the structure? Watson and Crick are acknowledged the most for discovering and contributing the most to the structure of DNA in eighteen months; but what about Franklin? Though Watson and Crick are known for discovering DNA’s structure, Rosalind Franklin contributed the most to finding the structure of DNA because she was the first to take pictures of DNA’s B form, discover phosphate on is on the outside of DNA, and debunk DNA is antiparallel.
“On February 21, 1953, Watson could see the finished structure, he had recognized how two pairs of complementary bases (adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine) would have identical shapes if held together by hydrogen bonds, two long chains of such base pairs would likely form a double helix—roughly, the shape of an enormously long, winding, doubled-railed staircase. The DNA molecule, comprised of long strands of such base pairs in specific and varied sequences, could embed genetic information that, if the strands were separated, could be copied.”
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating molecule or material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent in chromosomes. It encodes the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and many viruses. Simply put, DNA contains the instructions needed for an organism to develop, survive and reproduce. The discovery and use of DNA has seen many changes and made great progress over many years. James Watson was a pioneer molecular biologist who is credited, along with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, with discovering the double helix structure of the DNA molecule. The three won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1962 for their work (Bagley, 2013). Scientist use the term “double helix” to describe DNA’s winding, two-stranded chemical structure. This shape looks much like a twisted ladder and gives the DNA the power to pass along biological instructions with great precision.